Bigberry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Arctostaphylos glauca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and fattening. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is used fresh or it can be dried and ground into a powder then used to make mush or added to soups etc.; It can also be used to make preserves or a beverage that resembles cider in flavour.; A drink is made from the berries by sprinkling them with water, kneading them with the hands, mashing them and then soaking them in the sun for about 12 hours.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry slopes below 1500 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)